Composite Forming

WECO International has many solutions to offer in the area of composite forming. Each composite material formulation will vary from client to client and our engineers are here to provide you with the correct solution for your needs. Our oven testing services enable full testing of each heat and material interface. We can help take 3D measurements and maps of the forming process under infrared heat before machine build takes place.

Optimized Heating Solutions for Composite Thermoforming

Composite thermoforming plays a vital role in industries like aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing, where high-performance materials are essential. This technique involves shaping composite materials—combinations of fibers and resins—into desired forms through the application of heat and pressure. At the heart of this process lies precise temperature control, ensuring uniform heat distribution for optimal material curing and forming.

The Importance of Heating in Composite Forming

Effective heating is critical to achieving consistent results in composite thermoforming. Uneven heating can lead to defects such as warping, incomplete curing, or compromised structural integrity. Infrared heating technologies have become a preferred solution for delivering consistent, energy-efficient heat across composite materials, ensuring high-quality finished products. WECO designs and builds composite thermoforming ovens for its customers, each specific and customized for particular materials

Infrared Heating: A Game Changer

Infrared heating systems are ideal for composite thermoforming because they provide:

• Rapid Heat Transfer: Shortwave infrared heaters quickly raise material temperatures, reducing production time.
• Uniform Heating: Advanced infrared systems ensure even heat application, preventing material inconsistencies.
• Energy Efficiency: Infrared systems target the material directly, minimizing energy waste compared to traditional convection methods.

WECO International’s Infrared Heating Solutions

WECO International offers cutting-edge infrared heating systems designed specifically for composite thermoforming applications. Our solutions are engineered to deliver precise temperature control, reducing cycle times and improving overall process efficiency. Whether you’re forming carbon fiber-reinforced composites or other advanced materials, our heaters ensure reliable and repeatable results.

Outstanding Infrared Thermoforming Benefits

Thermoforming heating control systems produces a host of other benefits, including:

• Major reduction in capital equipment wear and tear
• Like-for-like infrared for tubular replacements
• Elimination of ‘hot box’ tubular problems
• No need for changes in control or instrumentation
• Poor performing infrared to be replaced with superior platens
• Savings in directional heat
• Better resultant product quality
• Improved set up time and tool change time
• More complex parts possible
• Cooling requirements also reduced
• Matching of heating control systems to polymers being processed
• Improved environment for operators

Partner with WECO to optimize your composite thermoforming processes. With our advanced heating technologies, you can achieve superior quality and increased productivity for even the most demanding applications.